Tandem bar won't pull.

Used to have some pretty worn tandem pins on RR trailers. We used to bang on them with a hammer or would have to "center" the pins in the holes by pulling the johnny bar and move just an inch to take the pressure off the pins..

 

More than likely never been greased. A little grease makes for a nice slide

 

Find another driver. Have him pull on the bar as you rock truck back and forth which is done by going back and forth like you would if the handle was pulled. If that dont work take it back.

 

With trying to beat the pins out maybe spraying them down good with some liquid wrench might help it go faster.

 

99% of the time for me, it is too much tension where the pins are in the holes on the rail. I set the trailer brakes and move forward or back all the way, then barely pull it the opposite way so that the pins are centered in the holes and not touching the rails at all. Try having someone pull the bar while you strike the pins with a hammer. The alternative is to have someone pull the bar while trying to slide the tandems by moving the truck, just be more careful doing it.

Next check the elbow part with the spring that's on the hinge and make sure the bar is attached to it properly. Usually when this is a problem, the bar pulls easily but the pins won't retract or retract enough. Check the pins to make sure they're still attached to the mechanism that joins them. I use a 2" ratchet strap from the elbow to the frame or other secure spot that doesn't slide.

 

Get a BFH. (big firkin' hammer)